• Commission a great crested newt survey before any work near ponds or wetland features
• Obtain a Natural England licence before starting any work that may affect newt habitat
• Install newt exclusion fencing to the ecologist's specification before site clearance begins
• Brief all site personnel on what great crested newts look like and what to do if found
• Stop work immediately and contact the ecological advisor if a newt is found during works
• Protect ponds and terrestrial habitat within 500 metres of known breeding sites
• Use an ecological clerk of works to supervise site clearance in newt habitat areas
• Maintain exclusion fencing in good repair for the full duration of the construction works
• Check beneath stored materials and log piles before moving them in newt habitat areas
• Create replacement newt habitat as required by the licence conditions before work begins

• DON'T clear vegetation or excavate near ponds without completing a newt survey first
• DON'T start construction in newt habitat without a valid Natural England licence in place
• DON'T handle, capture, or move great crested newts without a personal handling licence
• DON'T damage or drain ponds within 500 metres of the site without ecological assessment
• DON'T remove log piles or rubble near ponds without checking for sheltering newts first
• DON'T drive vehicles or store materials over known newt terrestrial habitat areas
• DON'T breach newt exclusion fencing or allow gaps that let newts back onto the site
• DON'T carry out site clearance during breeding season without licensed supervision
• DON'T ignore the requirement to create replacement habitat as a licence condition
• DON'T assume fish-free ponds lack newts — great crested newts prefer fish-free water

See also: Protected Species Awareness | Ecological Clerk of Works Role